Front Cross-Member: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER

This vehicle uses a one piece cast aluminum cradle for the front cradle crossmember. The cradle crossmember is used as the attaching points for the lower control arms, stabilizer bar and steering gear. The cradle also has the power steering hoses and the chassis brake tubes attached to it.

WARNING: If a threaded hole in the suspension cradle needs to be repaired, only use the type of thread insert and installation procedure specified for this application.

The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmember that are used for attachment of the lower control arm rear bushing retainer, power steering hose and chassis brake tubes can be repaired. The repair is done by the installation of a Heli-Coil(R) thread insert which has been specifically developed for this application. The procedure for installing the Heli-Coil(R) thread insert is detailed in the Service Procedures section of the service manual.

DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR

WARNING: When performing this procedure use only the thread inserts which are specified in the Mopar Parts Catalog for this repair procedure. These thread inserts have been specifically developed for this application and use of other types of thread inserts can result in an inferior long term repair.

The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmember, if damaged, can repaired by installing a Heli-Coil(R) thread insert.

The threaded holes that are repairable using the thread insert, are the lower control arm rear bushing retainer mounting bolt holes, routing bracket attaching locations for the power steering hoses, and brake hose attachment holes.

This repair procedure now allows the threaded holes in the cradle crossmember to be repaired, eliminating the need to replace the cradle crossmember if damage occurs to one of the threaded holes.
The thread inserts for this application are specified by part number in the Mopar Parts Catalog. Do not use a substitute thread insert.
The specific tools and equipment required to install the thread insert are listed below. Refer to the instructions included with the thread insert for the detailed procedure used for the installation of the thread insert.

NOTE: The thread inserts for this application are for the repair of M8x1.25 and M1Ox1.5 threads. Be sure the correct tools are used for the required thread insert size.

TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M8x1.25 Thread
- 8.3mm (5/16 in.) Drill Bit
- 120° Countersink
- Heli-Coil Tap #4863-8
- Heli-Coil (R) Gage #4624-8
- Heli-Coil Hand Inserting Tool 7751-8
- Needle Nose Pliers - For Removal Of Thread Insert Driving Tang

TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M10x1.5 Thread

- 10.5mm (25/64 in.) Drill Bit
- 120 ° Countersink
- Heli-Coil Tap #4863-10
- Hell-Coil" Gage #4624-10
- Heli-Coil Hand Inserting Tool 7751-10
- Needle Nose Pliers - For Removal Of Thread Insert Driving Tang